The comparatively detailed style of the narrative of the reign of Solomon is continued through chs. 12, 13, 14. The record in Chronicles, after omitting the whole account of Solomon’s idolatry and his adversaries, gives the early part of the account of Rehoboam in almost the same words as those in Kings 2 Chron. 10:1-19; 11:1-4 cf. 1 Kings 12:1-24).
Shechem.
The choice of Shechem for the coronation was probably to secure the allegiance of Ephraim and the northern tribes. Shechem lay in the very center of the land, between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, at the site where Joshua had held a general assembly of the people (Joshua 8:30-35). It was near there that Joseph was buried (Joshua 24:32). Nearby was the site of Jacob’s well (Gen. 33:19; Gen. 37:12; John 4:5, 6; cf. Joshua 24:32).